Transfer Deadline Day

Blues miss targets

Everton's business was restricted to a loan deal for Enner Valencia and the capture of England U20 striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as proposed moves for Moussa Sissoko and Yacine Brahimi collapsed.

Ronald Koeman's attempts to put in place the final pieces of his team for the first half of 2016-17 had come down to the wire but there was optimism that he could make some key additions. The Dutchman had made no secret of his desire to bring in more new faces before the 11.00pm deadline but while there were plenty of links to players reported over the summer, few names were at the forefront of speculation heading into deadline day.

Here is how each link panned out on the day:

Moussa Sissoko

A dormant link with Moussa Sissoko was suddenly brought back to life this morning when L'Equipe reported that Everton were in "advanced talks" with Newcastle over the French midfielder. After that there was a good deal of yo-yoing of the reports over whether the Blues or Tottenham were leading the chase to sign him.

Sissoko had been given permission to leave his international team's training to finalise a move, with Tottenham said to have lodged an opening £16m offer that falls short of the Magpies' valuation. That was followed by assertions that the Londoners had since cooled their interest and, as of 4:15pm, reports by journalists from The Times, the Mail and the Express that Everton were indeed following up their interest in the player.

By the evening, Sky Sports were reporting that the Frenchman was on his way to Merseyside to undergo a medical while the paperwork on a deal to Everton is prepared but BBC Sport had not discounted Tottenham in what could become either a bidding war or a choice for the player to make.

Ultimately, when Spurs matched Everton's £30m bid with just 55 minutes of the window remaining, it was obvious which way events would unfold. Aware that Sissoko would choose London and the prospect of playing in the Champions League, Everton withdrew their interest.

Everton officials were reportedly locked in negotiations with FC Porto over the Algerian forward who was rumoured to have flown to Merseyside yesterday to discuss personal terms while the final fee was being hammered out between the two clubs.

The 26-year-old was permitted by the Algerian Football Federation to leave the nation's training camp in Algiers to complete a move to a new club but while the indications were that a deal worth £35m was close, reports emerged this evening that the deal is be off after Porto upped their demands to an eye-watering €50m.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Talk of finally getting a deal over the line for the Sheffield United teenager was earlier today revived, with the Liverpool Echo reporting that the Blues are confident on that score.

A £1.5m fee has now been agreed and the 20-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Blues.

Enner Valencia

The West Ham striker emerged as a late-breaking potential loan signing from West Ham, with an option to buy next summer. Sky were initially reporting that the Blues had offered £1.5m to take the Ecuador international for the season having failed to land Manolo Gabbiadini.

The Mail and Express since claimed that there is now a permanent component with £14.5m due in a year's time and that was later confirmed.

Manolo Gabbiadini

Reports in Italy yesterday claimed that a deal for the Napoli striker had collapsed, seemingly corroborated by sources closer to Merseyside who said that Everton had given the Serie A club a deadline to have a deal agreed after which they would walk away to pursue other targets.

The Italian striker was the subject of a €23m bid from the Blues and was believed to be keen on the move if the two clubs can come to agreement, one that likely rested on Napoli's efforts to sign a replacement in time. Sky Sports sources were claiming first thing this morning that talks were still ongoing and that it wasn't a dead end just yet but it later transpired that Everton had already walked away from talks.

Everton would have had to increase their bid for the Ludogorets left-back if reports are true that they have had a £3m offer turned down.

The 25-year-old emerged as a surprise deadline day target but the Bulgarian side were looking for more for the Brazilian before they will sanction a deal and nothing further came of it.

Sander Berge

Vålerenga reportedly rejected a £3.6m bid from Everton for Sander Berge, according to reports in Norway. His club value the 18-year-old midfielder at a higher value.

Shani Tarashaj

One piece of business that was confirmed early on was Shani Tarashaj joining Eintracht Frankfurt on a season-long loan.

Potential outgoings

While both Aiden McGeady and Oumar Niasse had been expected to have left the club by now after being informed by Koeman that neither have a future at Goodison Park, both players remain on the books.

Niasse was the subject of talk yesterday of a return to Lokomotiv Moscow from where he was signed in February and there are now suggestions that their city rivals Spartak and CSKA are also interested. Niasse's wife could yet scupper any return east, however, as there are reports from Russia that she is refusing to move back there.

McGeady, meanwhile, is apparently on his way to Preston North End in what s assumed to be a loan deal after reports he was being targeted by Odense in Denmark.

Meanwhile, James McCarthy's name continued to crop up despite suggestions Koeman's reluctance to sell him. Crystal Palace were reportedly showing serious interest in signing him today but, again, nothing transpired.

Reader Comments (234)

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Karl Masters 1Posted
30/08/2016 at
23:50:03

Still think we need a goalkeeper and a forward bare minimum plus a central defender would be handy.

Call me cynical, but all this stadium talk surfacing now in years gone by we would have said it was to try and deflect attention from the lack of arrivals.

The fact BK is there and the 'watch this space' phrase coming up again . hmmm

Denver Daniels 2Posted
30/08/2016 at
23:59:05

Hakim Ziyech has signed for Ajax for 11m. What a bargain. Same shit different manager.

Charlie Burnett 3Posted
30/08/2016 at
00:02:49

Hart 㿀 mil Brahimi 㿏 mil Wilshere Loan (gamble)Bony. 㿀 mil Kone 㿀 mil

䀋 mil out the 𧴜 mil war chest Other lads have come from the Stones money.

Champions League on the way.

Brendan Woods 4Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:06:16

Am I the only one skeptical on our new owner's ability/willingness to spend? For all the hype and talk around our ability to spend and compete financially what have we actually seen so far?

The transfer fees for Williams, Gueye, Bolasie and Stekelenburg are almost exactly what we would would've received for Stones minus Barnsley's cut. Their wages adding to our expense bill wouldn't be too far different from that of the outgoing Howard, Osman, Stones, Pienaar so as far as I can see the net spend is just about nil...

James Watts 5Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:08:54

Charlie (3)

Hart is off to Torino, thankfully. The rest, yeah why not. WIlshere on a loan is a good idea for me but we'll see!

Charlie Burnett 6Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:15:37

I don't think they will support his wages. I know there's a pic of him with a scarf but how many players have been to FF for a medical and didn't sign?

Andy Stone 7Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:24:26

I have so much more anticipation this year than last year, where I was filled with dread.

Hopefully we get the Brahimi deal done, and then a GK, backup RB, and another forward; while announcing Bramley Moore on Friday.

Hopefully will be a few great days for us.

Paul Hewitt 8Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:26:43

Wouldn't touch Wilshere with a barge pole. Totally over-rated.

Karl Meighan 9Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:30:13

Think its more about getting the right players in than not having a pot to piss in under the new regime.

Trying to build a team with seven or eight new signings never comes off, I would like to see another couple added then see were we are at January/ end of season.

Anthony Dwyer 10Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:34:51

Brendan Woods.

I agree with you mate, I've been telling anyone who would listen too whilst being shot down.

The numbers speak for themselves.

Add Hibbert wages as well, BTW.

Denver Daniels (#2).

Agree with you too, this lad is cheap as chips at 㾷m and the deal was simply a no-brainer, even if he wasn't quite ready we could have loaned him to Ajax. Very frustrating.

Joe O'Brien 11Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:39:10

Karl #1 & Brendan it's well understandable to be uneasy with our past barren years full of dashed hopes, but with Moshiri on board and with RK at the helm I think times are about to change dramatically for us.

I think we'll spend close to 100mil tomorrow with an announcement of the planned stadium quickly to follow. I think Brahimi for sure and very possibly Kone with a few surprises.

I think we're at the eve of Everton starting to kick on and show the rest what we're made of. COYB

Phil Sammon 12Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:49:31

I would take a striker and that's it. I really don't get those clambering for a central defender. We have Jags & Williams as our likely first choice. Funes Mori and Holgate waiting in reserve.

We have a good squad. I'd much rather give minutes to Davies, Dowell, Holgate etc than spend 㿀M on some duffer who's lit up Serie A for one month in 6 years.

Anthony Dwyer 13Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:49:57

Joe 11.

Your a very optimistic guy, I really hope you are right.

I would be relatively happy with Brahimi and Kone, let alone a few surprises.

That said I feel like a lot of good players are drifting away from us.

Bruno Martins Indi on a loan deal with a view to a £7m move is one id have liked us to have done, along with Ziyech, both these lads are the right ages, play in positions we need and are excellent value. We could have taken these and still had the money for Brahimi.

I'm starting to feel like tomorrow is going to be slightly disappointing, but I hope I'm wrong.

Anthony Dwyer 14Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:56:17

I agree Phil, well at least to an extent.

I don't believe were desperate for a centre-back, and I'd agree we need an attacker.

But I really think we need someone in the attacking third who is above the level we have with Mirallas, Del Boy and Lennon, someone who can really push Ross on or link up with him, but I don't think Bolasie is that player.

For me Bolasie is no more consistent than Mirallas, and if also go as far as to say Deulofeu will surpass him soon in terms of being a threat.

A Oscar or Mata style player would be great IMO, not as a replacement for Ross but as a player capable of getting more from him in terms of being on a similar wave length. If there's no decent options available in that position then I'd look at a top left sided player and try to build something with Mirallas and Rom ahead of Ross.

Lee Mandaracas 15Posted
31/08/2016 at
01:21:36

I'm shocked at the a) negativity, b) poor maths and c) cynicism on here from fellow Blues. I know we have form to justify it to an extent but things have unrecognisably changed already. For the several people stating we haven't touched the 𧴜m yet here's why you are severely wrong.

That's not forgetting the Moshiri promise of the 𧴜m to include any uplift in current players' salaries to encourage them to stay à la Lukaku going up to around 𧴜k/pw.

No agent's fees have been included in these figures either and they are always a hidden consideration.

Taking the management costs, agents fees, Lukaku wage rise all out we are still -٦.1m nett so whatever way you shape it I believe it to be unfair and Man Shitteh/Chelski-esque of us to be screaming about a lack of investment in this way at all - let alone to be doing so a whole day before the first transfer window has closed.

We're better than that aren't we?

Jamie Crowley 16Posted
31/08/2016 at
01:31:50

See Lee's comments. Couldn't say it any better.

Phil Davies 17Posted
31/08/2016 at
01:55:27

People have to remember you can't just say Everton are interested and then expect players to be queuing up outside Goodison ready to sign, we have nothing more to offer other than Moshiri and Koeman's dream for the club.

Axel Witsel has already turned us down and decided to stay in Russia for another year with the hope of signing for a bigger team eventually.

History means nothing in football anymore, it's all about where you finished last year and where the joining players think you'll finish next year.

On a personal level i'm hoping for a marquee bid something big that makes everyone take notice, James Rodriguez at Real Madrid, exceptionally slim chance of actually signing him but everyone would take note if we told Madrid we'd give them £70m for him, then people would know how serious we truly are.

Mike Dolan 18Posted
31/08/2016 at
02:02:09

I can't understand the logic of anybody wanting us to splash out even a penny of our new found wealth just to prove that we can spend it.

In the last eight weeks our squad has been trimmed of a lot of dead weight and that process is still going on as we speak.

We have invested in some excellent new recruits resulting in an improving squad and most importantly a really promising start to the season under a coach who just might be the best this great club has ever had. Plus we are all expecting a historical announcement of a new stadium on the river in the city of Liverpool that won't be there to anchor a Tesco super store.

And we moan.

David Ellis 19Posted
31/08/2016 at
02:05:32

I agree with Phil Sammon (#12) all we really need is a striker. Anything else is a bonus and can keep the remaining Moshiri powder dry for the next couple of windows. We only have this money once so need to spend it wisely and not in blind TDD panic

And thank you Lee #15 for some better maths than others questioning the Mosihiri "investment". I don't know where the £100m figure came from, frankly I think the press just invented it. However we are clearly acting in this market in a way quite different than if we were in pure sell to buy mode  so I do believe there is some money there.

Finally the other big news is the stadium  actually more important than any transfer news let's hope we get it right this time but a ways to go I think.

Paul English 20Posted
31/08/2016 at
02:18:25

Rui Patricio Sporting goalkeeper only 29. What a statement that would be ..

David Barks 21Posted
31/08/2016 at
02:26:16

Lee,

You have to be joking. First off, we will not have paid Martinez a big fat lump sum of £8 million, especially since he is now reemployed.

Furthermore, last time I checked, a former manager, new manager, and a Director of Football don't actually contribute one thing on the pitch. Unless you're confident that one of those are going to step in and score goals if Lukaku goes down with a knee injury and Mirallas pulls another hamstring.

But if you want to play that game, then please also include the salaries of all the players we let go, the salary we are no longer paying Martinez, Howard who left at the end of the season, and the former academy players we have sold off. So in actual playing staff, we've spent what we got for Stones, only actually paying out £8 million when considering the sell on fee we had to pay. Wow, that's huge investment. What a difference from the past 20 years.

Adam Fenlon 22Posted
31/08/2016 at
02:58:15

The squad's pretty good guys. Happy with the additions so far, would like another striker for a serious alternative to Romelu, but really am much more interested to see how much improvement Koeman can drive out of the squad.

Barry Jones 23Posted
31/08/2016 at
03:17:34

I would probably agree with Phil too that a striker is the priority BUT, not just anyone. If the right player is not available, bank the cash and be patient. I would also like to see another creative midfielder. I desperately want Ross to succeed, but we may need an alternative as well.

I would also like to see what Del could do in that role. Last season, some of his through balls to Lukaku from deeper positions were sublime. Rom owed a lot of his goals and chances to Del last season. There is no doubt that Del has great vision and great delivery to accompany it, and not just as a winger.

Ernie Baywood 24Posted
31/08/2016 at
03:38:13

I'm full of expectation today... and I don't know if I prefer that to the usual despair.

I'm struggling to see how we can possibly surpass the hopes our supporters have.

I can handle the despair, but it's the hope that kills you.

Jim Harrison 25Posted
31/08/2016 at
03:53:07

David Barks, what a stupid comment. Of course RK isn't going to run on the pitch to take the odd free kick, but his effect on the events on the pitch is already evident, getting more out of the same group of players.

Officially, where has anyone seen anything factual that provides the transfer funds available? And as has been said before, why blow the lot now?

Take a look at Villa. Learner pumped money in for a few seasons and saw no great difference in league position then sacked the whole thing off.

Bill Gienapp 26Posted
31/08/2016 at
04:00:49

Personally, I feel like Moshiri's investment is legit, but there's a mandate to spend judiciously... i.e. if the player or the deal isn't right, the club isn't going to go and splash the cash just for the sake of spending.

And while it may look as if we've simply reinvested the money from the Stones sale, I think bad luck has been a factor. Witsel and Ghezzal both snubbed us. Arsenal swooped in at the last minute and snatched Perez. Moyes decided to be a complete tit and block the Kone transfer. Cuco Martina looked like a done deal, then Southampton's defensive ranks were thinned by injury. A deal for Gabbiadini seems to have stalled over Napoli's negotiating tactics. It's not like we haven't *tried* to spend more.

Anyway, cautiously optimistic about tomorrow. I guess we'll see.

David Barks 27Posted
31/08/2016 at
04:24:22

Jim Harrison,

No, that's not at all what happened at Villa. The year Lerner bought them, they went from 16th prior year to 11th, a bunch of money spent, followed by three consecutive seasons of finishing 6th in the table.

Then, they sold Barry. Then they sold Milner, Sidwell, Curtis Davies. Then they sold Downing and Ashley Young. And when they started selling off those players, they dropped down the league.

When they spent, they jumped from 16th to 6th in two seasons, and stayed there for three, only dropping after they started selling key players. Jumping 10 league places is a huge difference, and they were a very tough team. Every season it was one of the games we dreaded, because we knew they'd find a way to knock a goal at the end to either win or snatch an away draw. Twice it happened to me sitting at Goodison.

David Ellis 28Posted
31/08/2016 at
04:47:15

David Barks would you be happy with a few 6th place finishes...?? I thought your view was that Everton should be winning the Champions League next season? I think the Lerner parallel is unfortunately more accurate in terms of our resources than the City/Chelsea parallel.

There's a back handed compliment to Moyes in there - despite Lerner's money (and money going into other clubs like West Ham and Sunderland at the time) we managed to match Villa over that period without spending hardly anything on transfer fees.

David Barks 29Posted
31/08/2016 at
05:04:39

David Ellis,

Don't go building straw men to knock down, claiming they're my words. Please show me where I say we should win the fucking champions league next season. Why not stick to a more accurate analogy. Would I be happy to see us jump 10 positions in the league over two seasons? Yes I would. 11th to 1st it would be, right?

I didn't raise Aston Vill as an example, somebody else tried to say their method of spending led to doom. I simply pointed out how their spending actually saw them jump up the league and stay there, until they started selling players and then the manager left after becoming angry with the lack of player additions and seeing his key players sold off. Just correcting somebody else's misinformation.

David Chait 30Posted
31/08/2016 at
06:09:30

The silliest day has begun.

I can see Ziych being another Payet or Nolito.. another the club should, could etc ..

All we do need is someone to play alongside Lukaku or in his position.For some reason I'm not 100% sure we need or want Brahimi. would rather see Del being given a run. Mirallas is in form and we bought Bolasie.

Good its a quiet day in the office!

Jim Harrison 31Posted
31/08/2016 at
06:23:49

David Barks, yes accepted they made an initial jump, which could not be sustained without repeated significant investment. His input did not return comparable financial gains. Eventually he sacked off the project, but only after selling off every decent player and the club dropping out of the Premier League.

Everton during the same period made a similar jump, spending less money and sustaining the relevant level of success for longer. In fact, since the departure of Moyes, there have been 4 players out of the top 10 most expensive signings ever added, how has that affected the finishing positions?

Look how much the top teams spend each year to stay where they are. Spend £100 million this year, it will require significant reinvestment each year to maintain the squad level, plus wages. Moshiri is a rich guy, but not rich enough to fritter hundreds of millions away

The current model would appear sensible and considered. Yes, Stones has gone, and so far the outgoings have been balanced by his sale. Surely that's just sensible business? The squad is decent (only 3 seasons ago finished with highest points total of Premier League era) and has been improved by the recent signings. There will probably be more additions.

The current coach is an upgrade on the last one, hopefully an upgrade on everyone we have had since the mid 80's. He is looking to get a better return from the current squad.

There is a new DF, who has had success in the past. He has already identified Gana, who looks a snip for what he cost.

The players we are being linked with now are of a higher calibre than before. Why can't we get the deals over the line? Because at present Everton are not as an attractive an option as Arsenal or Juventus. So pragmatism is being employed. Sign players who improve the team, chip away steadily rather than shoot the load in one glorious spurt.

Back to the original point, the new manager can have an effect on the pitch, otherwise why not stick with the last one? He can prepare the players better, adjust the tactics better and ensure the players are better prepared. All these things add value. This guy cost a lot to employ. And paying off Booby cost a fair whack too. We are not saving on his wages as Koeman is earning more, and there has been a big outlay in compensation payments for both.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and of course I can't say that this whole new era will be a great success. But it hasn't got started yet. There is already a difference between the past and the present.

And yes, of course I would take a 10 place jump, but will settle for 7 places this season.

David Barks 32Posted
31/08/2016 at
06:40:53

No Jim,

They made a sustained jump, only broken up by poor ownership. They were challenging each season, then the owner, with a history of failed sports team ownership, blew it.

Then they thought they'd be smarter and build from within, find bargain buys to replace those stars they sold. Only problem, it failed, just as it almost always does. Most times talent wins. Occasionally you get the cupset. Occasionally, like once in multiple generations you get a Leicester. That's no way to go about your business. Those are called outliers, not trend setters.

Chris James 33Posted
31/08/2016 at
06:56:53

Sorry, David, but statements like the one below are frankly ridiculous:

"Furthermore, last time I checked, a former manager, new manager, and a Director of Football don't actually contribute one thing on the pitch."

If manager's make so little difference to the results and it's all about the players, then how come Man Utd went from world beaters to missing out on the Champions League? Why have Man City, Man Utd and Chelsea outlaid fortunes to bring in the best managers available?And how come Everton have changed from a team who couldn't hold onto a lead and were a soft touch at home back into a tight unit that have 7/9 at the start of the new season with few new signings?

The reality is that the manager is pretty much THE most important signing you can make. Quite apart from deciding who we buy/sell, the formation we play, tactics and ideology in the camp, the good ones can take previously failed players and turn them into winners. I'd argue strongly this is worth far more than a couple of speculative signings.

Though not as core, a Director of Football who can unearth lesser known talents without spending the earth (as achieved at Leicester) is also worth more than his weight.

These management signings are far more shrewd and capable of a far greater RoI than simply throwing money at already ludicrously overpriced and overpaid footballers.

Does this mean we don't need a few more recruits on the pitch? Obviously not, everyone knows we need support up front (including Koeman) and we've clearly been incredibly active in making offers and trying to get deals done (as I expect we will continue to be today). But to say that a manager isn't a valid expense of budget and can't be worth extra points/goals is just plain wrongheaded.

Kase Chow 34Posted
31/08/2016 at
07:40:18

I fear no significant inward transfer activity although I hope I'm wrong.

Jim Harrison 35Posted
31/08/2016 at
07:44:40

David,

3 seasons. 6th place. Then 9th. Then steadily downwards. The same owner who financed the good period oversaw the decline. He stripped the assets he bought. In 2008-09 Villa had a net spend of £50 million plus, and finished in the same league position with 2 points more than the previous season. The following season nearly £50 million more went out, some being offset by Barry's sale to city. 2 more points. Same league placing. He put money in. He lost money. He cut his losses and got shot. The club sold for 60 million, he bought them for £62 million. A Forbes article estimates he could have lost as much as $400 million. All to finish in the Europa Cup places.

During the same period they finished above Everton once. During that period their net spend was hugely above Everton's. If you doubt this please check. And what did they have to show for it? The InterToto cup and a league cup runners up medal.

One club used a sensible approach (No other option as skint), the other spent. one club is still in the Premier League, now in a healthy state under a new owner, looking at a new stadium and scouting for quality players. The other has had its best players sold and lost 2 of the first 3 games of the new season in the Championship.

Villa are only one example, but probably the best in comparison given their history and ours. Leeds are the blue print of how to fuck it all up. Blackburn are another good example.

Want to review the stats? This site is useful for transfer histories:http://www.transfermarkt.com/aston-villa/alletransfers/verein/405

League placings is easy enough with Wikipedia.

Now that's the past. Which can serve as a good lesson for the future. Spend wisely and sustainably. Build consistently. Sell where it is beneficial, necessary and prudent to do so.

To finish, I am not suggesting that this year Everton will win the league, or the next either, but to get into a position where top players can be attracted without just throwing a sugar daddies millions at them the club need to improve league finishing placings and prove the can be competitive. I believe from the early signs this is the plan.

David Ellis 36Posted
31/08/2016 at
07:48:32

David Barks,

What do you mean by "poor ownership"? Lerner was a textbook good owner... until he stopped pumping money in.

But why should he continue to pump money in? He didn't try and hang on to his train set - the tried to sell (and has now done so). Not sure what else he could/should have done.

You have in previous posts referred to Man City as your preferred model of making a marquee signing and that we should be challenging at the top of the game (yes, I admit I exaggerated your views in my previous post). But Man City is not where we are. IF we try and follow that route I (and others) think it will be a disaster.

I just don't understand the thought process behind your views. I agree we are unlikely to win the league anytime soon... but I do think carefully spending what money we do have will lead to the optimal outcome... even if that falls short of winning the league.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 37Posted
31/08/2016 at
07:49:02

The teams around us in mid table have added players and are spending money. To suggest players are not available is nonsense.

Koeman has decided to target areas of the team which we were already relatively strong.. defensive midfield and the wings. Have we improved those areas? Possibly, but we've had 3 games with Gana and one and a quarter with Bolasie... 2 or games against West Brom and Stoke we won, but not comfortably.

In Koeman's own words we needed 3/4 more players this window... It's now over to the club. If we don't add them, I fear we'll be standing still, irrespective of the new management team.

Danny Halsall 38Posted
31/08/2016 at
07:52:11

Vinny O'Connor has just been on SSN saying that Brahimi is NOT in the UK and a deal doesn't look close. I think the big one to look out for today will be the Gabbiadini deal. Can't see anybody else of significance coming in tbh. Not this close to the deadline.

Martin Nicholls 39Posted
31/08/2016 at
07:58:42

So far as this thread (it's specifically about TDD) is concerned I'm now going to stay away from the keyboard until the earlier of when we actually sell or buy someone, or 11pm. Sound approach?

Ralph Basnett 40Posted
31/08/2016 at
08:00:17

Jesus fellas, for a deadline day transfer thread there is some bitchin on here.

I think lots of you need to relax, take a chill pill and enjoy the ride that is deadline day mayhem.

Let's all get together, have a group hug and ponder what will be with or without any new signings .

Colin Glassar 41Posted
31/08/2016 at
08:04:43

We've been led down the proverbial garden path once again Danny. All these players "linked" to us is just a load of media inspired BS.

Brahimi hasn't been in Liverpool, isn't in Liverpool and isn't even scheduled to be in Liverpool!!! Now that's not to say he could hop on a plane and be in Liverpool in a few hours but the way these people make this stuff up is breathtaking.

Kieran Fitzgerald 42Posted
31/08/2016 at
08:05:52

It will be interesting to see if there will be any takers for McGeady and Niasse at this stage. I seriously doubt it but it has been made very clear to both players for weeks now that they have no future at the club. It's an easy job for agents when your player is in demand. If anything happens, both players' agents will earn their money today.

Jim Harrison 44Posted
31/08/2016 at
08:28:16

It ain't over yet! In fact, back in Blighty, the day hasn't really even started! A lot could change today. Or nothing...

It's called Transfer Deadline Day  not Everton Deadline Day. There will be loads of clubs doing last-minute deals and loads of supporters of other clubs viewing the day with the same trepidation and excitement, and even, as in your case, negativity!

It's the same every six months but this time we have a new manager looking to rebuild and strengthen, and some decent dosh to help him.

I reckon we'll get three in (Begovic, Kone, Brahimi) and you reckon none (?). Let's see who's closest eh? Loser buys a pint at the Boro game.

Mark Pierpoint 48Posted
31/08/2016 at
08:43:42

Ed Aarons at the Guardian say we are close to agreeing at £35m for Brahimi.

Steve Harris 50Posted
31/08/2016 at
08:44:04

Colin, it's great to see that your 'insider knowledge' now includes knowing the exact whereabouts of Brahimi. I can't wait for your updates on our activities during the rest of the day.

Iain Latchford 51Posted
31/08/2016 at
08:46:04

Why haven't we signed anyone yet?? The is the worst transfer deadline day ever!!!

ï¿½ystein Heggelund 52Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:04:51

Slimani's apparently off to Leicester, so that's one less to worry about, then.

Jim Harrison 53Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:06:07

David Ellis #45 And I with you!

Dave Abrahams 54Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:07:49

There will be some activity by Everton, we are stronger now with the deals already done, we will be stronger still by 11:00 pm tonight. All this massive spending in the transfer window, over ٟ billion, only goes to show how much the clubs take the piss out of us fans.

Prices to enter the grounds should have come down to no more than 㿅, the whole structure of prices at football matches should be investigated by the Minister of Sport. We are relatively lucky with prices at Everton.

Gerard Carey 55Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:19:28

Would be happy with another striker. See what's needed in January and work on that. I for one am very happy with things when compared to last couple of years. Let's trust in Moshiri, Koeman and Walsh, after all they barely have their feet under the table. A good start to the season, new players bedding in, what's not to like.

James Hughes 56Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:21:06

Bony just arrived at STOKE for a medical,

Brent Stephens 57Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:28:16

Jim #35 and David #45, can I agree with both of you? "Come on everybody".

Joe Digney 58Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:30:15

This Italian lad will probably be the only major incomer, which isn't too overwhelming he hasn't exactly been prolific or setting the Italian league alight. Really hope we pull the finger out and get the Porto lad on board as well.

COYB

Mike Allison 59Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:36:46

It's relatively easy to jump from 16th to 6th. Each of the next 5 places is much, much harder.

It requires either Sheikh Mansour or patience and intelligent long term thinking.

Spending willy nilly just to prove you can is what Tong Fernandes tried at QPR. It took a while but he eventually learnt his lesson.

Tim Sharpe 60Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:39:36

Bony in talks with Stoke according the BBC

Lee Mandaracas 61Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:44:17

@David Barks (21) Whether you like it or not is irrelevant, those costs had to be paid and they don't come from the money fairy because the 𧴜m suggested in Moshiri's statement a few months ago didn't specifically exclude them. Martinez's severance is not dependant upon another employment as we terminated and, therefore, must settle the contract. However, I concede we probably didn't settle in it's entirity and that is why I put circa ٦m - because nobody knows.

The other monies mean we've only invested ٦.1m if you ignore Lukaku's pay rise, Martinez's severance, managerial recruitment and agents' fees but that's not enough for you. With a day left of the window your entire armoury of Mattel dollies have been jettisoned from the Silver Cross!

How about you cool your jets a little, have a camomile tea and vent your spleen once the window closes. Perhaps then, and only then, you might actually have cause.

Mate, sarcasm and digs aside, I genuinely hope we all have a good day and are smiling at midnight.

Martin Nicholls 62Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:47:05

Steve#50 - just what I thought on reading that outrageous claim! Unless of course Colin has fitted every one of our alleged transfer targets with tracking devices!

Brent Stephens 63Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:49:55

Martin! Have we signed somebody?! You said you'd be off the forum until we signed somebody or 11:00 pm! I bet you're keeping one eye on here!

Brent Stephens 64Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:52:26

"Mattel dollies"! Did make me laugh, Lee.

Tim Sharpe 65Posted
31/08/2016 at
09:58:29

Axel Witsel is also apparently in Italy to sign for Inter. Another alleged target gone. Still think we will get Kone L, Gabbiadini (Is he any relation to ye olde Marco?) plus one youngster from lower league or some random foreign club and one big name from out of nowhere.

James Potter 66Posted
31/08/2016 at
10:06:04

We need another striker, only so long we'll get away with Lukaku's poor form and the goals dry up. If he gets injured there is no focal point for the team. Madness to try and get to January with only one Striker. Kone is not Premier League quality.

Tim Sharpe 67Posted
31/08/2016 at
10:09:01

Not even as back up for Rom, as competition. He needs to be pushed, he has it to easy with no serious competition. Remember last season when he got dropped for a game and was back and firing the next game?

Phil Walling 68Posted
31/08/2016 at
10:16:36

I bet the only one to come in today is a winger. Everton managers just love wingers and you need six to finish 11th!

Jim Potter 71Posted
31/08/2016 at
10:23:14

You know when Moshiri said there's a 100 mil kitty? I remember reading it online and in the papers ... but I must have missed that press conference where he announced it publicly.

The transfer window's still open and for some reason that lying git isn't pouring bucket loads of money out of it on piss poor players who aren't worth a tenth of their asking price, but would rid him of his hundred per cent promised hundred million quid.

I mean if he at least spent a hundred million on shite then he would have kept his word wouldn't he? I'd let him off then.

What? My round?! No way!

Iain Latchford 72Posted
31/08/2016 at
10:29:13

With Slimani now looking like he's going to Leicester, you have to think we have something lined up....I hope!

Trevor Powell 73Posted
31/08/2016 at
10:35:02

I would rather no transfers and real targetting for Jan window than rush purchases of the quality of Niasse is he going somewhere, the rumours seem to have died down over the "special needs one!"

Scott Hamilton 74Posted
31/08/2016 at
10:40:54

Apparently Google's stats are showing that people from the city of Liverpool have been the third most prolific at checking the transfer deadline dealings in the last 24 hours Link

These must be searches by us blues otherwise Stockholm and Oslo would be on the list!

Iain Latchford 75Posted
31/08/2016 at
10:43:09

It fine, we've already got a striker who we value at £65m, but hasn't hit the net in 14 games. Why would we need another one!?

Martin Nicholls 76Posted
31/08/2016 at
10:45:55

Brent#63 - caught me! Unless I can use Tarashaj loan as a "get out of jail"* - no, thought not!*playing Monopoly with grandkids at mo and was trying to relieve the tedium!

James Potter 77Posted
31/08/2016 at
10:56:47

Exactly We'll struggle for goals and to kill teams off. Lukaku may well be staying but he doesn't look fit and he's out of form. He needs competition and support.

Jim Knightley 79Posted
31/08/2016 at
11:15:05

We need a top playmaker and Isco needs to leave Real Madrid. Usually he would be completely out of our league, but given the circumstances, we could try for him?

We need a striker. I know bringing in Bony would hardly be ideal, because he is not a second striker and him and Lukaku could not play together. But why not take a shot on loan and see what happens?

We need something today. We haven't done badly in the market so far, and Holgate's form has perhaps decreased the need for a back up right back, just as Stekelenburg's has decreased the need for a goalkeeper. But we could do with another cb if we want to play 3-5-2. And we could really do with another striker and a creative player in the middle of the park.

One point to make - according to solid sources, we have tried for players. Clearly we wanted Perez, but he understandably opted for Arsenal. Clearly we wanted Gabbiadini but there is an issue there. Luck has played a part, but perhaps more importantly, there is inefficiency in our negotiation process. Someone, or several people, are responsible and if we do not buy today, I would not say it is because money is not there, because it clearly is. Koeman wouldnt be here otherwise. But this window was always going to be hard with Koeman and a new director of football coming in after a new owner came in a few months before. This is not the market Chelski and City benefited from a few years ago: Much has changed, and it has got alot harder to buy quality players, especially for a team who finished 11th two seasons in a row.

Iain Latchford 80Posted
31/08/2016 at
11:50:32

This could be one HUGE disappointed. I'm not unhappy with the squad, but one of two real quality signings would be great. I'm just praying Kenwright isn't pulling the strings. Surely Moshiri's right hand man (can't remember is name) was brought in to deal with this type of thing wasn't he?

Don Alexander 81Posted
31/08/2016 at
11:52:15

I can understand Dave Bark's frustration but I am impressed, so far, with just about everything I see and hear from RK. The league is littered with clubs like Leeds, Blackburn and Villa spending their way to doom (and Spurs spunked nearly £100 mill of the Bale money on bog standard players too don't forget) so let's just chill for this season at least and watch our club progressing upwards at a steady, strong rate that'll earn respect in the weird world of players and their agents.

Dave Ganley 84Posted
31/08/2016 at
12:15:50

Well said Don #81. We all want stellar players but we also have to realistic about who actually wants to come here not just for the money. I too am impressed with what has gone on since we got rid of Martinez. We have got the right management team in imo and now we have to patiently get the right playing staff in. That means we have to prove on the field we are progressing to make the decent players want to.come. As RK has already said, it's going to take 2 years to get the team how he wants it.

Hopefully we can get some new players in today but there's no point getting players in for the sake of it. See Niasse for that type of deal. We also need players in who play for the team and who will foster a great teamspirit, it's been a while since that was paid attention to. So if we don't manage to get a marquee signing this window it's not the end of the world. I trust in what Koeman is doing and trust him to get it right on the pitch and if he can't get the right players in then so be it. I am prepared to wait till January if it means we get players who want to be here. COYB

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 85Posted
31/08/2016 at
12:18:38

The assumption is that we'll progress without adding players in positions which we are desperately short in - merely on the back of Koeman - when teams around us are improving.

While Koeman will definitely be worth points..good management can only take you so far when you have to play Kone up front.

Jack Convery 86Posted
31/08/2016 at
12:20:29

Just made this comment on another thread but it's better suited to here.

I feel like I'm waiting in an airport lounge waiting to flown out to paradise but getting the feeling it will be Bognor instead !

No disrespect to Bognor of course !

Eddie Dunn 87Posted
31/08/2016 at
12:21:59

Jim 79, what can we expect? We are a side that finished mid-table the last 2 years and have no Euro football to offer. No wonder we seem to be losing out in the market to the likes of Leicester and Arsenal.However, there is little point in loading the squad with players like Bony, who is slower than Rom and like him, is reliant on service for his goals.The market is inflated and money shouldn't be wasted in haste, and I am happy to wait and see if Walsh can spot some gems for us in January or next summer.

Iain Latchford 88Posted
31/08/2016 at
12:27:31

From Sky Sports News site...

They're working on a number of deals but @Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri tells me it's an 'insane' window. #DeadlineDayâ€” Jim White (@JimWhite) August 31, 2016

Karl Masters 89Posted
31/08/2016 at
12:34:16

I have a journo friend who is insistent Everton don't have any money, ie it's still pretty much a balancing the books exercise.

I can't get him to say for sure if it's something he knows or something he suspects, but talk of insane Windows does sound like getting your excuses in early.

Hope he is wrong and my suspicions are unfounded

Phil Walling 90Posted
31/08/2016 at
12:35:56

Only a few posts away from somebody seeing the likes of Holgate, Davies and Dowell as being just like new signings.

As at noon today, we shared the honour ( with Bournemouth, Hull, Swansea and Them of being in net profit for the window.

Whatever happened to' the brave new world' ?

Nick Page 91Posted
31/08/2016 at
12:51:43

Holgate's like a new signing.

oh, wait...

Tony Hill 92Posted
31/08/2016 at
12:55:59

i think we'll get a couple in but there's no disguising that if Lukaku remains the only serious option up front then we're seriously exposed in circumstances where that has been an obvious gap for a very long time. Hope springs eternal.

Nick Page 93Posted
31/08/2016 at
12:56:33

Karl, Chelsea don't have any money but Abramovich has fecking pots of the stuff and the transfer fees he has paid for have created one huge liability sitting on their BS. Arsenal, on the other hand have around £150m cash on BS sat there doing feck all. As for Everton, I remain as ever highly sceptical and will do so until that monumental liar, Kenwright and his band of merry men sling their f'ing hooks once and for all.

Brent Stephens 94Posted
31/08/2016 at
13:11:31

Karl #89 - that would mean we can't sign anybody today until we sell? In which case, no signing today!

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 96Posted
31/08/2016 at
13:17:13

Bony has gone to Stoke then on loan.

Iain Latchford 97Posted
31/08/2016 at
13:22:02

I can only assume that Everton must have someone else lined up. There's no way Bony would go to Stoke ahead of Everton.

Iain Latchford 98Posted
31/08/2016 at
13:25:33

Apparently Napoli wanted Bony as a replacement if we signed Gabbiadini. Now Bony has gone to Stoke that could have screwed the deal up.

Andrew Clare 100Posted
31/08/2016 at
13:28:07

No news of major signings, no one at FF. What we are hearing is mainly speculation. Brahimi would have been good but where is he? Gabbiadini looks unlikely and all the others are going elsewhere. Maybe Kone as a last minute buy but is he even in the country? Hopefully something will happen.

Eddie Dunn 101Posted
31/08/2016 at
13:47:50

Bony probably liked the loan, as it means that he will probably keep his high wages. If he moved to us, he would surely earn less.

Jim Harrison 102Posted
31/08/2016 at
14:03:24

Eddie Dunn,

Or we didn't want Bony...

Michael Lynch 103Posted
31/08/2016 at
14:07:43

Brahimi just looks like a less muscular Bolasie to me  and we've got one of those in Geri haven't we? What worries me is that all the clips of him show him trying to dribble through entire defences on his own, and those defences are mostly shite. He won't get anything like that kind of time/space in the Premier League.

Very nippy but we need a proper striker for when Lukaku hurts his toe or sprains the finger he uses to point to where he wants the ball played

Clive Rogers 104Posted
31/08/2016 at
14:19:00

I think we are looking for someone to play alongside Lukaku, and Bony is probably regarded as too similar.

Iain Latchford 105Posted
31/08/2016 at
14:28:41

It's beginning to look like signing 2 or 3 players is going to be a long shot. No really serious rumours as far as I can see.

Nicholas Ryan 106Posted
31/08/2016 at
14:40:09

In the past, we were signing players who were happy to come to Everton, even desperate to come!

Now, we are pursuing the level of player, who hears of interest from Everton, and says: 'Who?'

We are in a whole new ball-game, and it will take a while to get used to it.

Tim Sharpe 107Posted
31/08/2016 at
15:07:44

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is supposed to be signing for us. 19-year-old forward. Another promising youngster to disappear into oblivion???

We don't have a great record with signing kids really. A couple of real gooduns (Stones & Holgate) but forwards not so much.

Raymond Fox 109Posted
31/08/2016 at
15:26:15

It's become pretty disappointing I have too say, talk about 𧴜m warchest! We've sold Stones, and spent a likewise amount well, I think.

I hope we have a few pleasant surprises later; if not, we face another season of mediocrity.

Ernie Baywood 110Posted
31/08/2016 at
15:40:41

Don't we Tim? Seamus at 21. Stones. Those two alone have made it worthwhile. Plus Holgate and plenty with the jury still out (Del?).

You can't expect too much but we've done as well as you could hope with signing young players on the cheap from other clubs.

Clive Rogers 111Posted
31/08/2016 at
15:43:42

Even if we don't sign anyone else, Koeman has strengthened throughout. He's signed a GK, CB, DM and a forward. They are all top players. Anything else is a bonus. They are all a class higher than the rubbish RM signed and we are still trying to get rid of, and if the youngsters are similarly higher quality, they will come through.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 112Posted
31/08/2016 at
15:52:07

Who is this forward Clive?

Tim Sharpe 113Posted
31/08/2016 at
15:53:21

I called out Stones & Holgate, at 21 Seamus is a bit late of a bloomer, but that maybe splitting hairs. But all defenders.

Geri is still a work in progress, undeniable talent, but the application is sketchy and too inconsistent at the moment. If he can get more hit than miss, he will be a monster of a player.

There are many more that failed to launch, than succeeded and got first team football for us. The occasional gem yes, but how many of the youth team, despite being hailed as the next best thing, fail to make it?

How many promising young kids have we signed, for them to never make the first team squad more times that they can count on one hand?

The percentage would be interesting to see, and it may be pessemistic. I hope I am and would be happy to be proved wrong, but I'll bet the stats are on the side of the doomsayer here.

Clive Rogers 114Posted
31/08/2016 at
15:57:04

Ciaran,

Bolasie.

Brent Stephens 115Posted
31/08/2016 at
16:10:43

Tim, I think Coleman turned to football "late", having been more of a Gaelic football player or some such.

Tim Sharpe 116Posted
31/08/2016 at
16:24:42

I tried Gaelic football at uni, I'm 6ft-1in and 16 stone and I felt tiny.

James Potter 117Posted
31/08/2016 at
16:31:44

I'm liking the Koeman era so far. However do we really want the window to close with only Lukaku as a striker??

Yes he's unfit and Lazy, but he'll score goals and go on a scoring run at some point. If he's injured, do you really want to see Kone or Geri up front? Bit Risky to me.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 118Posted
31/08/2016 at
16:44:41

Martins Indi confirmed for Stoke..

Thanks god we've played them already.

Mark Morrissey 119Posted
31/08/2016 at
16:47:29

Nick at 106... spot on. I've said it already this week but I don't see us spending silly money today. I was even surprised by seeing us linked with a young blades striker.

I don't see anyone leaving or arriving today. Moshiri telling Jim White "market's is insane" is a message to all of us. He's not going to throw away his hard earned money on shite.

I've not really seen any good signings today apart from Bony and Bruno Martins Indi both going on loan to Stoke. I'd have taken Bony all day long to partner Lukaku but we've missed out there and on the solid defender.

I think the image of Ronald Koeman on this post could have been taken at 11pm tonight when he looks at the incomings and outgoings of our club. I think he'll be disappointed. I live in hope but my heads saying "no".

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 120Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:00:17

Leicester cleaning up here...

Geoffrey Hall 121Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:04:39

Nobody will sign today. Load of crap, we can't afford them.

Dave Pritchard 122Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:10:00

Sissoko now our target according to SSN. Another winger?

Daniel A Johnson 123Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:10:56

Let's face it, no one who's top class wants to join us. Do foreign players based in overseas leagues even know who we are?

We are not attractive enough for the top players in the market and anyone who takes a punt on joining us is looking at us as an 18-month stepping stone only.

Christy Ring 124Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:11:10

Sissoko deal back on, so I reckon if we can get him signed, McCarthy could be on the way to Palace, to pay for the deal.

James Morgan 125Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:13:00

Sissoko is more of a box-to-box mid, I'd say, Dave.

Patrick Murphy 126Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:13:35

Daniel (123) Players don't care about who they join as long as the wages are in line with what they desire, they would sign for Runcorn or Warrington Town if the salary suited them.

Dave Pritchard 127Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:15:16

Would rather he was an out-and-out striker, James, as that is what we really need.

Conor McGregor 128Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:24:48

I heard Robbie Brady is signing for Everton. Any truth? Good signing methinks.

David Booth 129Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:29:50

Still six hours to go, but a striker surely our main priority?

If Sissoko is signed, we will have such an overload in midfield and wide midfield/wing?

Just as interesting is who will be shipped out, as that will mark our intentions almost as clearly.

Apart from Niasse and McGeady, what does the future hold for Cleverley, Gibson, Lennon, McCarthy and Kone?

Even if they stay, their future seems to have no horizon beyond the bench - or like McCarthy so far, deputising for an injured first choice player.

Liking how our new manager is going about things so far.

Viva la revolucion!

Jay Harris 130Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:32:23

Looks like Sissoko and Valencia not Brahimi, Kone and Slimani nor Bony.

I think its essential to get cover for Lukaku but any other business we should wait and do more research.

Chris Gould 131Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:35:42

Sissoko can be class. A powerhouse runner who could make us an awesome counter attacking team along with Bolassie, Ross and Lukaku.

Mark Morrissey 133Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:47:11

So Davey boy, you're interested in James McCarthy are you? Well we'd hate to stand in the way of a players development so yes, you can have him. Sell us Kone, you ginger melt!

Iain Latchford 134Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:55:57

Sissoko looked much better than Pogba in the Euros.

Frank Crewe 135Posted
31/08/2016 at
17:56:18

A year ago Porto bought Brahimi for £5 million and Deportivo bought Perez for £2 million. We or any other PL club could have had the pair of them for £7 million. Now one year later it would cost us £60 million. How can that be? Why can't we get these players when they're cheap instead of waiting until they cost tens of millions? Are they really worth the enormous sums they're asking for them now or do these foreign clubs see PL clubs coming knowing we'll pay almost anything. Telly/billionaire money burning a hole in our pockets.

Maybe we should invest a fraction of the money we chuck away on these overpriced "superstars" every chance we get on improving our scouting. Might save us millions in the long run.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 136Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:01:42

Sissoko would be a thoroughly unimpressive signing in a position we are oversubscribed in.

Utterly useless for Newcastle last year, had one decent game in the Euros and he's suddenly worth £30mill.

Are we entering a team in the AFCON?

Daniel A Johnson 137Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:08:17

I'd rather keep McCarthy than have Sissoko. We need a striker badly  it's the elephant in the room and it needs addressing.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 138Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:15:50

Enner Valencia... truly depressing.

Jim Jennings 139Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:17:35

Ciaràn,

What does Sissoko have to do with the AFCON?

Conor,

I heard the Brady rumour a few weeks ago. Would be a good squad player since he can play wide left, left back or in midfield but not exactly a marquee signing.

Robert Elliott 140Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:24:12

Enner Valencia?! Didn't think it was possible for us to sign a striker who makes Arouna Kone look prolific. How wrong I was! Everton that.

Chris Williams 141Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:24:14

Mirror saying Brahimi deal has collapsed.

Daniel A Johnson 142Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:30:50

Valencia... were shopping at Aldi again, I see.

So much for the Moshiri millions. All we have done is spend the Stones money.

Gary Carter 143Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:34:15

Same old bullshit different man taking the flack. All the names we are linked with that could make a real difference and we don't get one of them.

Moshiri, Billy Bullshit's glove puppet!!

Neil Wood 144Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:34:47

Saying Brahimi collapsed as Porto have now demanded £50million Tell em to nob right off

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 145Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:35:41

Nothing Jim..

Brahimi is though..

Colin Glassar 146Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:39:38

Is anyone really surprised by our last minute scrambling? If Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are handling our transfer dealings what can you really expect? Season after season Moyes, Martinez and now Koeman have said they need X amount of players and what do these two clowns do? Leave it until the last minute and then get 2-3 E-List players in!!!

I feel sorry for Koeman, he'd better forget his Southampton days, when he could sell five and get in six players, this is Everton and we don't do transfers like normal clubs.

Clive Rogers 147Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:40:21

Frank (#135),

Getting players when they're cheap. That's what Walsh is there to do. He did it for Leicester, but perhaps the timing was not right for this window.

Bobby Thomas 148Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:41:11

It does look a bit suss when there were no deals being done, then Stones left, players start coming in shrapish, and with the Stones money gone we aren't getting deals over the line.

However we got muscled by Arsenal on the Deportivo lad, the Kone situations tricky, and I can understand us not wanting to pay silly dollar for players that aren't worth it. So there is evidence that we are having a go as well.

We would be ok staying as we are with some temporary cover for Rom coming in. The spine of the side has been improved with a keeper, center back and mid. It was much needed. Cover for Rom is essential, but if we only get that we're ok, we're a good side.

Dave Lynch 149Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:46:33

Neil@144.

If, as someone mentioned BK is involved in transfer dealings, it is probably Gabby and Enid the tea ladies from Ellesmere Port.

You can hear him now:

"It was always their dream to fill the tea urn at a club of our stature, when they heard I stood in the boys..." blah, blah, blah...

Jermaine Jennings 150Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:52:07

Same old rubbish, year-in & year-out... so why should we expect anything different? It's a joke.

Colin Glassar 151Posted
31/08/2016 at
18:58:16

Well Bill and Bob have a track record with signings like Brahimi don't they? Riquelme, Moutinho, Fernandes etc That garden path just gets longer and longer.

Dan Aspinall 152Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:00:29

Same old shit. I'll stay up an hour past my bed time anyway... you never know. To be fair, Valencia looked good when he first went to West Ham, he's just not the 㿏m player we've been dangled.

Mark Morrissey 153Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:13:35

Enner Valencia? Are we fucking serious??? I'm spitting fucking nails. He would make Niasse look like a new signing for us.

I didn't think we would make any stellar signings, but Enner Valencia... truly staggered.

Bony to Stoke and Bruno Martins Indi but we say no to both of them. Why?

Dave Lynch 154Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:18:19

Valencia on loan is good business.

A player that set the Premier League on fire for a short time before getting a bad injury, I trust RK.

Ian McDowell 155Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:20:45

Pretty much a disappointing transfer window. Same old story at Everton.

Andrew Clare 156Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:28:58

I just feel that again we have missed a big opportunity here.

We have money (so we are lead to believe), a top calibre manager and an ambitious new owner and a great chance to finish high in the table with the addition of three class players in this window.

What happens??? We sign no-one of note. Very disappointed.

Ian McDowell 157Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:32:20

We keep on believing that we are still a big club but do we actually act like one? Then answer is no and has been for years. Scrambling around for loans last minute, its no different than every other window in the past 5 years.

Stephen Brown 158Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:36:02

I'd rather go with what we've got than sign Sissoko and Valencia!

Bobby Thomas 159Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:36:46

There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a lad in who is going to be cover, on loan, if you can't land who you want originally.

Frank Crewe 160Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:40:10

@Ian 157.

So the four players we have already bought are useless eh? Even though we have won two and drawn one of our first three games this season. It's always the next shiny object isn't it?

Paul Lye 161Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:40:44

Valencia  16 from 29 at international level. Maybe with better service at our place... Just saying. :-)

Stephen Coles 162Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:40:51

I bet we're not even in for Sissoko! Newcastle are just saying that so Tottenham come back with another bid!

Denver Daniels 163Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:43:02

Bony to Stoke and we get the West Ham version of Niasse. You couldn't make it up.

Still no playmaker after fuck knows how many years. Still no decent back-up to Lukaku. And still no No 1 between the sticks.

Talk about throwing all your eggs into one basket. We could have signed Cillessen and Ziyech for less than £25mil combined and here we are scratching around for other clubs cast-offs.

You can't tell me there's not a decent playmaker or striker out there in the whole of the fucking world. Pjanic went for just £25mil.

Damn, this is even worse than Moyes/Martinez because you build it up so much only for it to fall so flat.

What a let down. When are we gonna learn to get things done early?

James Lewis 164Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:43:42

We could have had a better window. We could have spent more money, we might have been in for some of the marquee players mentioned. However, maybe Moshiri is giving Elstone the rope with which to hang himself  a window of poor performance. Maybe?

Paul Lye 165Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:44:47

Willing to give the lad a chance. It's a loan so try before you buy!

Ian McDowell 166Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:45:44

Frank @ 160. No they are not useless but looking at 7 points from 9 is very short sighted. Don't forget when we signed McCarthy after his first season we where all raving about him.

The fact is, we all know including the manager, we need reinforcements but we haven't managed to get them.

Really believed that this window would be a big deal for Everton but looks like I was duped.

Denver Daniels 169Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:52:54

Paul@165, this guy is shit. Not the shit. Just plain and utter shit.

We must be desperate.

Robert Elliott 170Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:56:08

Looks like we've had exactly the same transfer window as a few years ago when we sold Lescott and signed Distin and Bilyaletdinov. Flogged a young England international centre back to Man City and used the money to buy a good, but much older replacement in Williams and a talented, but inconsistent, winger in Bolasie.

I had hoped our days of sell to buy had ended with Moshiri but apparently not.

Tony Hill 171Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:57:57

Plan A was clearly Perez but we've left it all much too late. You simply cannot expect to do well with one quality striker (currently out of form and not match fit), and that is regardless of the excellent buys we have made elsewhere in the team. It is as well Lukaku is staying, isn't it, bearing in mind that Ronald was contemplating his possible departure very recently?

It is no good saying wait for January or next season or whatever, we were sold a story about new spending power and it hasn't happened. I hope we may yet pull a rabbit out of the hat but I doubt it.

I hope Koeman is not too disappointed  I can't imagine he was lured to Goodison by the promise of a late swoop for Enner Valencia.

Jeremy Jansen 172Posted
31/08/2016 at
19:59:22

I'm honestly not too bummed about missing out on Brahimi even at £35m...

I know there is a lot of talk about forget how much these players cost as we have the money now but as others have pointed out, he cost them £5m and we've heard they're asking anywhere from 7x-10x more than they paid just a year ago. It it just a stupid amount of money at the end of the day even if Moshiri is pulling a Scrooge McDuck and swimming in monies.

I'd like to see us pull another "Henen" and *wink wink* have a non-PL team not pay stupid money with us waiting in the wings to take them off their hands at a reasonable price with some profit in it for them.

John Pierce 173Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:00:17

Everton clearly not the draw we think we are. Basically it ain't the money, but we look to most as a mid-ranking side. Can't argue really, can we?

David Morgan 174Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:07:18

It is not over yet but, at this stage of the night, it is looking pretty disappointing. With the extra promise that the owner would invest in the squad this looked to be one of the most exciting deadline days ever for us.

I read one comment last night that someone expected us to spend 𧴜 million today on 3 players or more. I thought that was a little bit much maybe but that's the kind of vibe the day had.

It is not his fault but Enner Valencia on loan would be devastating in the grand scheme of things. But if the players are not wanting to come or clubs not willing to sell or we are just being held to ransom what can we do?

Oh well... maybe the next couple of hours will save the day!

Joe McMahon 175Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:09:29

John (#175) no silverware in over 25 years, finishing mid table, no European football, and a stadium that is nothing but an antiquated dump means that, Yes, you are correct.

Jon Cox 176Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:10:36

It looks like we've got Sissoko!

Phil Martin 177Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:10:45

SSN confirm terms agreed for Sissoko. Medical aside this is a done deal.

Terry Bolger 178Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:11:19

What a farce it's turning out to be... Bony goes to Stoke on loan!

Have we really got millions and millions to spend? I don't think so!

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 179Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:12:00

We break our transfer fee for a player who was awful last season.. in a position we don't need. McCarthy is a far better player.

Outstanding stuff from Everton.

Peter McHugh 180Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:13:15

Can't believe we're not after Senderos.

Tony Twist 181Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:13:20

Not good enough Everton, Walsh was brought in to highlight players who were off the radar and therefore with high probability of success of purchasing them.

Maybe it is the BK involvement, I felt it was strange Moshiri, early on, saying he was concerned with the lack of transfers and he was almost saying it's nowt to do with him if we fail to get the players in.

Stephen Brown 182Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:13:40

I'm shocked that we've just signed a £30m player and I'm so underwhelmed and just can't see where he fits in? Hope I'm totally wrong!

Need a decent striker in!

Stephen Brown 183Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:15:27

Also all the signings are big powerful players  which is a positive but we are lacking some creativity in the middle especially if Ross gets crocked.

Dave Lynch 184Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:22:30

Yeah!

He's that shit Spurs wanted him, I'd sign him just to piss them cockney twats off, they have a history of gazzumping us on transfers.

Barry Skinner 185Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:23:49

If Enner Valencia was any good, would West Ham let him leave for another Premier League club?

I just can't get excited about this transfer window anymore... all the exciting names we've been linked with and not one has walked through the doors.

Danny Broderick 186Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:24:45

I'm happy with Sissoko. He's a cracking athlete, he'll give us pace and work rate. It's been a tough market, and I think we have been interested in other players but have refused to be held to ransom. I would rather get Valencia on loan than buy someone no better for £20 million.

We may have paid slightly over the odds for Sissoko, but I think he is a good player who will create some goals and pop up with the odd one himself...

Andy Crooks 187Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:28:28

Ciaran, you have never been negative, realistic, yes. However, I can't believe your posts today. We have a proper coach at last and I believe we must trust him. Gana looked shit and now he is not. We aren't buying racehorses. New club, new life, better player.

I think that we should judge a player on his best form, not the form he showed at a relegation threatened shambles.

Mat Smith 188Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:33:31

If we get Sissoko I could see us trying to do a deal with WBA - McCarthy for Berahino

Chris Leyland 189Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:43:55

Ciaran (179)  McCarthy is not and never will be as good as Sissoko. McCarthy is an average mid-table / bottom-half Martinez type player. The clubs who are showing an interest in signing him tonight tell you everything you need to know about him  WBA and Sunderland, Pullis and Moyes.

Set this against Spurs and Everton, Pochetino and Koeman  ambitious teams looking at the top end of the table with progressive coaches and both wanting Sissoko.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 190Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:44:53

When did Gana look shit?

Looked decent last season for me.. we had two problem positions going into today.. numbers 9 and 10. We've done little to address that.. We've spent a ridiculous amount of money on sissoko and sod all on a striker... And not bothered with a creative midfielder.

Unless something changes in the next 2 hours this is the biggest transfer disappointment in years... Because of the expectation that we could start to make serious progression.

I hoped to be proved wrong, but we've a team on paper who'll finish 7/8th

Gordon Roberts 191Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:45:47

Let's trust the manager. He said last week he wants a box-to-box midfielder. Sissoko alongside Gana has real potential. Witzell was his number one choice for that position but he messed us around. Keep the faith, TW.

Bobby Thomas 192Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:45:53

Our weak, pedestrian, easy-to-play-through midfield has been given a bit of a makeover. We will have strength, pace and power all over the place now.

We've overpaid but he improves us, no doubt.

Rob Brady 193Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:47:43

A lot of these sound like panic buys. We need another centre forward other than that I think our transfer window has been mainly about ensuring our best players don't leave.

Personally I think getting rid of Stones for ridiculous money was the transfer of the summer. Over rated, cocky and now injured... and we got £47.5m for him. That is great business. I would have liked it if Bony had joined us instead of Stoke.

Frank Crewe 194Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:48:33

To all those who are slagging off Sissoko. How many of you rated Gueye before we bought him?

After all, he was only ٥ million and he came from a relegated club. He must be rubbish right? Funny how he's turned out to be our best player so far this season.

Sissoko had a good Euros and, up until he signed for the Barcodes, he was highly sought after. If we could have got him instead of them I've no doubt we would have done. Like Gueye, he did the best he could in a shambles of a side at a disaster of a club. Who knows. He may turn out to be the best player we have.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 195Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:48:34

Funny that Chris.. I remember that after McCarthy's first season here everyone was worried that he was off to Spurs.

If Spurs thought Sissoko was decent value at £30mill they'd have made an offer and he be at their training ground now.

This is classic panic buy... He's been on sale all summer.

Steven Kendrew 196Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:50:16

Actually, Berahino sounds like a good idea. Get him out of his negativity at WBA and into a fresh Everton team and playing regularly and he could get back to where he was a few years ago. He's also very young with time to improve.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 197Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:52:44

I also assume he's going to take Barry's position.

Tony Hill 198Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:53:06

It's possible to welcome Sissoko  if it happens  while regretting the failure to plug the gaps mentioned by Ciaran, especially up front.

Koeman himself was lamenting our lack of cutting edge only last weekend and it has been glaring for a long time. That we have not done anything about that beyond Valencia, presumably, is a disappointment we can't gloss and will, in my view, prove costly I am afraid.

Chris Leyland 199Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:56:25

Ciaran  maybe Spurs could be playing a clever game where they let us sign Sissoko and then sweep in for McCarthy?

Meanwhile, back on the real world, people may have been 'worried' that McCarthy was off to Spurs but he didn't actually go there, did he, and it was just paper talk.

Spurs were prepared to stump up 㿅m for Sissoko today. No-one seems willing to sign McCarthy on anything but a loan today. Probably because he is a one-dimensional, sideways crab of a player who has little or no drive to get forward or play a killer pass?

Andy Williams 200Posted
31/08/2016 at
20:59:24

I don't know if anybody has already said this but it is rather like when Moyes tried all window to buy top European players eg Moutinho.

We need to focus on promising up-and-coming players like Haller and Ziyech rather than established ones. We simply don't have the pulling power. Truly disappointing.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 201Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:02:35

Just paper talk Chris... Much like your assertion that Spurs wanted Sissoko...

Two can play at that game

Chris Williams 202Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:05:16

And the evening is yet young.

Arild Andersen 203Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:08:36

With the lack of cutting edge and all that: I really hoped we would try to get Haller. I think he will be great. Also a bit surprised to see the Swiss go (on loan). Thought he'd be decent backup.

Actually not that concerned about the rest, but I really thought another striker was #1. Oh, and to offload some deadwood.

Mark Morrissey 204Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:09:58

So we will get to see Niasse play for us after all because there is no way that Lukaku will always be fit. He may well get his chance to prove us all wrong and then we haven't wasted £13 mill. Berahino would be fine by me.

Tony Hill 205Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:10:40

I didn't expect big buys for the sake of it but I did hope for well-judged ones in areas where we are short and that plans had been laid.

I still think Koeman will keep us steady and that he will continue to improve us because he's a very good manager, but I'd started to believe, perhaps foolishly, that after our start to the season we could make a serious challenge towards the top 6. If we don't get something better to support Lukaku then I can't see that challenge being maintained at all.

Neil Wood 206Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:14:45

Have patience. More to come.

Tom Bowers 207Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:16:32

The Sissoko deal looks done and dusted and if he plays up to his Euros form then he will be a big influence.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 208Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:19:52

Slimani to Leicester done for less than £30 mill.

Mark Morrissey 210Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:28:18

Central defender from Man City at Sunderland for a medical...

Does this mean Kone to Goodison could still happen??

Colin Hughes 211Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:30:15

Where is the striker to put Lukaku under pressure to keep his place? Twelve games without a goal and he doesn't really want to be here yet we have got loads of midfielders and wingers who will be on the bench half the time.

It won't be long before we are praying Kone doesn't get injured; I thought those days were gone when Martinez left the seat.

Neil Wood 212Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:34:56

We can piss and moan all we like but I'm willing to put my faith in Koeman & Moshiri and I'm confident that they know exactly what they want and when they want it. They are however no mugs and won't be taken for a ride for players because of the current climate.

Just have a modicum of patience and support the team we all love.

Kunal Desai 213Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:48:35

A club which has finished in the lower half two seasons running aren't going to get class players straight away, no matter how hard they try. One trophy in nearly 30 years... we are an average club like it or not, most people need to take the blue-tinted bias specs off and be realistic.

We all on here bleed blue, but players wanting instant success are not interested in the history of Everton or how successful they were in the mid '80s (most probably weren't even born around then). Players want instant success, that does not mean joining Everton.

We need to try and regroup and look to get back into Europa League football and try at least to win a domestic trophy. We need some recognition and make steps to try and become successful.

Glynn Holland 215Posted
31/08/2016 at
21:55:53

What happened to trusting the management.? We've started the season with 7 points and bought tough players already to toughen up what was a week side defensively last season.

There's still time to go I'd expect another two quality signings. Hopefully a striker in there.

Sissoko obviously didn't want to be at Newcastle last year but was awesome in the euros so no reason why he can't do it for us. I hate reading some of the negativity from our supporters.

New investment, new management and a lot stronger team this year. A bit of positivity is needed from the doom and gloom supporters. Are you ever happy??

George Cumiskey 217Posted
31/08/2016 at
22:01:10

So that's why we brought in the super scout Walsh  to sign a player who stunk out Newcastle last season and had a couple good games at the Euros?

It could only happen at Everton! Poor transfer business again.

Patrick Murphy 218Posted
31/08/2016 at
23:47:18

A club that doesn't plan ahead and ensure that the players they hope to sign are available, willing to come and affordable, are likely to finish in 11th place or lower on a more regular basis.

I'm not sure how Mr Koeman feels tonight but I can't believe he will be too happy. Ronnie Goodlass and Michael Ball are feeling the same way as I am, disappointed and let down.

Before the apologists come on saying what about the arrival of Williams, Bolassie, Gueye and the Goalkeeper may I remind them that those signings were mostly made from the John Stones fee, and two of them were necessary with or without that money arriving into the clubs coffers.

How many players have been taken off the wage bill since Roberto left the club? What has happened to the circa 㿨m TV money? Unless an official announcement by the club about a new Stadium is forthcoming in the next few days, they have achieved less with more money than they did when the club was struggling without any cash  now that is quite an achievement.

James Brand 219Posted
31/08/2016 at
23:49:40

All you blues that renewed your seasons tickets this summer, news flash!!!

YOU WERE DONE BY A KENWRIGHT SPECIAL!!!

David Barks 220Posted
31/08/2016 at
23:52:18

An abomination. Nobody at the club every tried to quiet the talk of the transfer kitty available, instead they talked about the exciting Everton project. Of course season tickets soar, supporters excited, expecting to finally see change at the club.

Instead we got the exact same thing as we have for the past 20 years. Sold one player to buy a few, including clearing out quite a few on loan or releasing. At least we now know what this new Everton is, that is to say, the same old Everton.

Alex Jones 221Posted
31/08/2016 at
23:56:16

So turns out Moshiri is as useless as Kenwright. Doubt he'll get the same stick tho.

We're a waste of space when it comes to transfers. Why were we even panicking and looking for striking reinforcements on deadline day when it was such a crucial area we needed someone in?

No creative player in either... we could have signed Ziyech a few days ago for about £10 mill.

Gueye aside, we have had a shocking window. Negative spend (rarely actually had negative spends under Kenwright but he was always slaughtered for it nevertheless), top cenre-back out, old plodder in and then a headless chicken in Bolasie. If we do well this season, it will yet again be in spite of our owners not because of them.

Tony Hill 222Posted
31/08/2016 at
00:01:31

We know where we stand for now and it's not where many of us hoped. Koeman is the right man though and we have to shake off what has been a real damp squib of a day. We must in any event carefully examine how we conduct transfers and who conducts them.

We must also hope that Lukaku stays fit and regains form pronto. It would be fun if Valencia surprises us all.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 223Posted
01/09/2016 at
00:07:09

Shambles, utter shambles. Made altogether worse by the new feeling of optimism.

We've dodged a bullet with Sissoko, but why we were willing to spend £30 million on this clown when we've sod all strikers and creative players is beyond me.

Can't wait for the next Olympics... Everton should submit a track and field team... because we'll have sod all creative players by then.

Pace and power, pace and power.

Wayne Fortune 224Posted
01/09/2016 at
00:12:05

I'm new to this... Do Sky know Everton are Flying!!!

Eric Myles 225Posted
01/09/2016 at
00:28:58

Colin #211, Valencia is that striker.

"Enner Valencia. The West Ham striker emerged as a late-breaking potential loan signing from West Ham."

Didn't Moyes try to sign him but he chose WHU over us?

Dan Davies 226Posted
01/09/2016 at
00:32:58

Well, I'm glad I worked the late shift and missed it all. Really disappointed tonight  I expected a lot more than Valencia.

All we need now is an announcement of a Tesco tin-pot stadium at Crocky to top it all off. I like to try and stay positive but this window has been embarrassing.

I bet Koeman is furious. C'mon Farhad, throw us a bone to chew on with the stadium PLEASE!

I sincerely hope this is about ensuring we have the necessary funds to make the dock stadium happen, otherwise Moshiri and his charges will be getting very short shrift.

I also see no reason why a board representative couldn't come out and say that's what we're doing.

Derek Thomas 229Posted
01/09/2016 at
01:14:04

John Pickles and probably others (having not read the other 200 odd contributions)... have a word with yourselves â€“ take a breath â€“ think about it.

11 times out of the last 12 we did all our business in the last frenetic rush... and people say, 'Why do we have to leave it so late, blah, blah. International break, blah, blah. Bedding in blah, blah. Fit them into the team,' etc, etc, etc.

We sold a kid of Potential (a loaded word if ever there was one), who, for various reason, not only wanted to go...inevitably was going to go come what may.

We got in â€“ early doors, a better keeper, a replacement CB of known, not supposed or 'Indicated' potential, a shit-hot DM, Bolasie, and right at the death a loan-to-buy.

We didn't get a Barcodes mercenary who wants the bright lights.

We didn't blow â‚¬50M (did anybody buy him at that price, I haven't checked?)

We got rid of McGeady, but not Niasse; still, you can't win them all.

We even took a small punt on a prospect.

It wasn't quite zero net spend... No 𧴜M war chests were harmed in the completion of this transfer window. Koeman can see how it goes up to Christmas and have a dabble then if he needs to.

Not the end of the world as we know it; not the worst window we've ever had by a long chalk.

Ernie Baywood 230Posted
01/09/2016 at
01:20:34

Decent window but hard to view deadline day as anything but bleak. Valencia represented a last minute safety net and we got played by Spurs and Sissoko - I suppose you at least have to be in the game to get played.

Like a single defeat, it feels a bit flat but you don't judge seasons on one defeat and shouldn't judge transfer business on one day.

We've got the squad we've got. Let's see if they can go and achieve something (until we do it all again in January). COYB!

Jamie Crowley 231Posted
01/09/2016 at
01:26:42

I read every comment - every one. Dozed off for 20 minutes... Heavy eyes can't help it... But read them all.

The only thing I can take away from all this is we weren't willing to overspend and toss 㿞M at some dude, and we were outbid by another club with another ridiculous figure.

Is there anything wrong with not spending stupid silly money and bringing in a capable backup to Lukaku, seeing how we've acquired some excellent players in Stekelenburg, Williams, Bolaise, and Gueye already? Does the whole of the transfer window only get critiqued for what you do on the last day of said window?

I wanted another striker. I completely understand not paying asinine money to get that striker.

Seven points from three games. Roll on.

Kristian Boyce 232Posted
01/09/2016 at
01:42:47

I think some heads will roll after the shambles of this transfer window. The last couple of days has made Morshiri look slightly Kenwright-esqe. The "watch this space" comment was pure Bill showmanship which makes Farhad look very naive. We've been embarrassed on a number of occasions the last couple of months with agents using our name to bump up supposed targets new contracts at their current clubs and publically turning us down in the process.

Morshiri was portrayed as an astute businessman and had experience in the football world. The outcome of the window has made the 'New Everton' look very much like the mess of the old days. We have a good manager in Koeman, I don't know how long he would put up with another similar scenario come the January window. With his statement of the amount of players he needed the other day and the panic buy that was bringing in Valencia in the last hour. If I was him, I would want assurances that things like this will not happen again.

Eugene Ruane 233Posted
01/09/2016 at
01:46:35

James (219) - 'All you blues that renewed your seasons tickets this summer, news flash!!! YOU WERE DONE BY A KENWRIGHT SPECIAL!!!'

And in other news, raging TW poster described as being 'off his fucking Jaffa' and 'fucking unhinged' by Evertonians who renew their season-tickets as a matter of course (ie: the majority) rather than because we might sign a couple of £30m players.

Seriously, this trend (see Martinez last 6 months) of 'Grrrr, you think you're angry? Let me show you how angry I am!!!!!!!!!!!' is becoming fucking ludicrous.

3 to 4 players was stated. We end up with Valencia on loan. SHIT C'mon Farhad, there are a lot of disappointed and gutted Blues tonight.

Let's be having the stadium sharpish.

James Marshall 237Posted
01/09/2016 at
01:53:45

Also, we already had lots of good players, who happened to be shackled with the Martinez disease of being a shit manager with shit tactics and no idea about how to play as a team.

This is also worth considering when you look at our playing staff, and the way we've started the season.

Many reasons to be cheerful.

Julian Wait 238Posted
01/09/2016 at
02:04:49

We already had a decent squad - it was underused and poorly managed by OFM - and the major first-choice deficiencies have now all been improved upon: Stek for Howard, Williams for Stones, Holgate for Hibbert, Gana for McCarthy/Besic, Bolasie for McGeady. And we kept Lukaku who we all thought we would lose.

In the close of this window we were looking to make some additional improvements, and frankly, to improve on the first choice players we now have requires

a) money (we have more, but our spending uptick is limited by FFP, but it seems we were willing to spend, just not super recklessly), and b) a very strong sporting proposal, big enough to compensate for living in a less desirable place than Paris, London, or some sunny low-tax eurozone. That means challenging for top 6 and for European football.

Remember .. we were 11th last year. Let that sink in a minute. ELEVENTH. To be honest, we've done pretty well to hang on to the players we have kept and add in Williams, Gana, Bolaseie, and now Valencia.

I would have loved more incoming players but, considering we've also upgraded our manager / coaching staff and our scouting team / business office (or started - clearly work to be done still0, I think we should be happy enough ... for now.

If you'd told me back in April that we'd be in equal 3rd place on 7pts after 3 games, with this manager and squad, and the seemingly imminent promise of a stadium announcement, I'd have walked back to Liverpool from Austin to shake your hand.

We still have good "kids" to bring through (including Holgate, but Davies, Browning and Dowell) and this Walsh lad seems like a proper prospect too (enough that we let Ledson go). Then there's McAleny who maybe has something to offer.

We can bitch and moan about Niasse and others, but we've had these transfer mistakes before (Andy VDM springs to mind), it's a risk we take and sometimes we lose and have to keep paying them.

We're not Top 4 / Champions League quality yet, but I think that's where the 2 year project timeline comes from Koeman, he's realistic and not feeding us a line all the time like OFM.

For sure he will be disappointed to not get (new) Kone and Brahimi and a midfielder, as am I too, but it doesn't end our season; it means we have to have a bit of injury luck and some other players get a chance to step up their game under Koeman, either to earn a place or act least get a better retransfer out when the time comes.

That could be Davies, perhaps Dowell and another, or even Deulofeu and Mirallas who both need to deliver consistently, and who have talent that needs to deliver

Out season target should be top 6 and a good cup run; anything below 8th would be a setback on the timeline and a major disappointment.

NSNO (soon!). COYB.

Bill Gienapp 239Posted
01/09/2016 at
03:15:43

I was largely ecstatic with our transfer business up to this point, but there's no denying deadline day was a bit of a flop.

In particular, I'm absolutely gutted the Brahimi deal fell through. If Porto was holding us to ransom, as has been reported, I can't really blame the club for walking away, but I also can't help but feel that we somehow found a way to muck it up. The fact that all the news outlets claimed it was a done deal and then had to backtrack makes the whole thing all the more infuriating.

Sissoko was a complete farce and he had no business commanding a fee anywhere near 㿊 million in the first place. Maybe Koeman could have wrung the best out of him, but the guy's a complete twat and obviously had no interest in playing for us, so good riddance. I consider that a bullet well dodged.

I seem to be in the minority, but taking a flier on Valencia was a no-brainer, particularly as a low-risk loan. The West Ham fans are all slagging him, but what do they know about anything? I think we all wish our striker situation beyond Lukaku was a bit more settled, but I remain cautiously optimistic about this move.

All that being said, I think the gloom and negativity around here is a bit overstated. We still have a solid squad; depth might be an issue, particularly if we're hit with a rash of injuries, but our ideal starting XI is pretty darn strong. Koeman's barely had time to put his fingerprints on the team and we're already off to our best start in a decade. There's a lot to feel good about. Honestly, of all the players we've been linked with in the past month, the only two I'm seriously bummed we didn't manage to acquire are Brahimi and Kone. I'm not going to spend tonight crying into my pillow over Gabbiadini.

I'm also not sure why so many people are convinced that Moshiri's some sort of con man who hoodwinked us with false promises of investment. The intent to spend was there - we just had a bunch of deals fall through (which may be an entirely separate issue that bears investigating, but still). I mean, we were literally a hair's breadth away from spending 㿊 MILLION ON MOUSSA SISSOKO! That's about as far from penny-pinching as you can get. That's more like "Whoops, I'm out of toilet paper, so I'll just use this handful of 100-dollar bills" territory.

Ernie Baywood 240Posted
01/09/2016 at
03:25:06

Exactly Bill. Just because we sold and bought doesn't mean we have to sell to buy.

Maybe the players just weren't there so we went with a stop gap. Makes sense, but we'd better get working on the next window straight away.

That said, I'm not particularly on board with Ron's thinking that the prices were insane in this window. Does he think they'll dip dramatically next year? Have clubs ever shown that kind of common sense before?

Adam Fenlon 241Posted
01/09/2016 at
03:52:53

Glad the club eventually didn't piss money away on shite like Sissoko. We've got a good squad so very decent transfer window I think.

Ian Hollingworth 242Posted
01/09/2016 at
06:33:38

So we spent the Stones money and we only spent after the Stones deal was done. Then we appeared to have last minute rush around seeing who we could get but got gazumped by CL clubs or greedy selling clubs?

Nothing will be the same again, watch this space on deals, new ground on the horizon. Sounds all very familiar doesn't it?

Let's hope with Walsh on board we have a very different strategy for the next Windows. Time to move Kenwright on from negotiations as maybe tales of the boys pen just don't cut the mustard anymore.

Carl Taylor 243Posted
01/09/2016 at
06:43:30

We had Walsh on board this window, whether it was a bit late on not. What did he do? All our targets/signings were known to Koeman and none made us think, who?

No Mahrez type signing, no Vardy lower league chances taken and no impact from Walsh. I now wonder if he is just there to take pressure and criticism away from the manager and the board.

As for the window overall, we are in a better position than we were at the start. Are we strong enough? Over to RK to prove how good a manager/coach he is.

Drew Shortis 244Posted
01/09/2016 at
09:59:47

I'm pleased with how things have turned out. Sure a big money signing would have been exciting, but spending just to appease the fans would be foolish. Brahimi, Sissoko etc were all way over priced.

I think we paid over the odds for Bolasie but he adds pace and power. Williams, Gueye & Stekelenburg are all very good signings at reasonable prices. Valencia will add competition and cover for Lukaku and if he doesn't cut the mustard we send him back to West Ham.

If Koeman can get the best out of Lukaku, Mirallas, Barkley & Deulofeu as well as get the defence organised then we're in for a good season.

Steve Hartwell 245Posted
01/09/2016 at
12:49:47

I'm angry we're still paying Niasse for doing sweet FA! At least get him to clean everyone's boots for his 㿞k or what ever wage he's collecting.

Alex Jones 246Posted
01/09/2016 at
12:51:40

This is a transfer window thread so saying it's fine we have good players already is pretty irrelevant.

Those players were already here and the weakness in our squad wasn't addressed. We signed an old cb to replace a young one. Will he be better than Stones, I seriously doubt it, we signed a headless chicken winger who offers no end product to go with the one we already have and a shit striker.

It was an abysmal window, gueye looks class and I'm happy we have him but that wasn't actually an area we needed to address.

If Moshiri wasn't here everyone would be up in arms but apparently we have to trust this guy just because. No one can actually say why we should trust him seeing as he's done fuck all so far.

Ron Sear 247Posted
01/09/2016 at
15:04:05

Thank gawd the transfer window is over, perhaps we can now focus on the actual football at last. I would love ToffeeWeb to have a little user settings screen that allowed me to block Rumors, Transfer Speculation and one or two of the more notorious moaners  the sort of thing that Facebook Purity allows you to do to Facebook in order to make it tolerable.

John Graham 248Posted
01/09/2016 at
20:18:59

Phil (12) and Phil (17), agree with you both. So many things to consider. Not good just to buy lots of players. We had our targets. And we had a value to go up to. If the price keeps going up there has to be a point where we say no thanks.

Also there are many players out there who would not look to come to Everton no matter how much money we paid. Some of the buys in the window will work out and the fans will say we should have got them and others will be flops and we will be glad we never got them.

It's going to have to be a slow improvement and hopefully a slow climb to the top. We have some good kids so let's use them. Now it's time to get our players at their best and go prove we can compete on the pitch.

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